February 20, 1998

*c-on Tffi HIST SOCIETY

Celebrating More Than 75 Years Vol. LXXV

No.22

24 Shevat, 5758

February 20,1998

Jewish scholars to discuss 'Jesus and the origins of Christianity' by Leonard Greenspoon chairtiolder of Creighton's Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization

When Alia Levy was 20 years old and a dissident in the underground Jewish refusenik movement of the former Soviet Union, the KGB (the USSR's secret intelligence .agency) gave her five daystoget out of the country. • Without knowing anyone, all alone, without any of her family, she was processed through the resettlement system like,any other oleh, immigrant.. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) took care of her by helping her find a place to live, enrolling j her in ulpan, intensive Hebrew language classes, ,"k,.jL— and assisting her with acculturation in the land MicJiaelCook Amy-Jill Levine AdeleReinhartz that would become her home. "...-. For many Jews, the New Testament is considered off-bounds for any sort of discussion. But, in the But Alia Levy was no ordinary immigrant. She left Russia with the only recording of the lyrics of a still-popular song, "The times they are a refuseniks' theme song, "Kachol v'Lavari," Blue changing." . and White, and other important documents about To see just how far things have come, members of the growing numbers of dissidents in what was Omaha's Jewish community are encouraged to then the oppressive Soviet Union in the 1970s. All attend an exciting all-day event at Creigh ton of them were taped to her abdomen. University oh Sunday, March 22: "Jesus and Eventually, Levy was educated, married and had Christian Origins Through Jewish Eyes." children of her own. And in 1989, she came back to Research on the historical Jesus and early the organization that helped her, the Jewish Christianity continues to be of enormous interest to Agency, by going to work for them. AUQ Levy, a former refuseoik, now works for both scholars and the general public. Only recently "We should be ready," Levy told the JAFI leader- the Jewish Agency in Moscow. She attd forhave scholars begun to consider seriously questions' ship about what she saw as the imminent collapse mer Lincolnite Danny Allen, Executive of Jesus' Jewishness and of the Jewish context of of communism and the flood, of immigrants who Director of United Israel Appeal," joined would want to make aliyah. . • , . his teaching and community. Omahans Joe Kirshenbaum, Bob Kully and ' - Ours will be the very first .conference -devoted? y;,_Jt..\Kas. herunderstanding.of tierefusenik move^ Jan Perelman on "their trip to Israel and entirely to a consideration of these matter's by emi- ment^that.led to the creation'iff JAFI offices, not Minsk last month. just'in large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, "We were the ones with cell phones and satellite nent Jewish scholars. • . but in the outlying areas of the Ukraine, The major purpose of this colloquium istopro- Kazakstan, Belarus, as well as former Soviet Bloc links in the FSU and knew the tanks were only on vide a unique forum for four experienced Jewish countries like Romania and the former Yugoslavia. the streets of Moscow," he added, "Nowhere else. "Alia Levy was running the system," he confided: scholars to discuss their reactions to previous According to Danny Allen, former Iincolriite and in a recent interview, "Based on her hourly contact research on Jesus as well as on the origins of early son of Harry and Annie Allen, "when the putsch Christianity, to share their own research in these came in 1990, the U.S. State Department came to with JAFI representatives in the FSU, our State Department was making decisions." important areas, and to indicate how all of this the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem to be briefed. (Continued on page 10) affects the way in which they teach and in which they participate in interfaith dialogue. In the process, these four scholars will address PEOPLE OF THE BYTE such questions as: How do we deal with material that is not part of our own faith community and in fact has often been used against us? Given that Jesus and almost all early Christians were Jewish, are there certain questions or insights that Jewish by Debra Nussbaum Cohen The Jewish Web/Net Week site will offer original scholars are particularly well placed to ask and to NEW YORK (JTA) - The people of the book are programming of its own and also serve as a central respond to? How does discussion of these issues promote interfaith dialogue? HoW do we arrive at becoming the people of the byte — the computer link to 613 other Jewish sites - the same as the number afmitzvot, or commandments, required of our reconstructions of the Historical Jesus and of b y t e . t h a t i s . • •' • ."'"•;.;'; ; .- ''• ': ••. ••.•. '•:'. / '. / ' To celebrate and promote the proliferation of : observant Jews. early Christian communities? How does this affect : Jewish activity on the World Wide Web and the , The 'organizers, including producer Alisa ustoday? •••,.••' Internet, the first Jewish Web/Net Week has been Schwartz, are big on "Jewish numbers." Michael J. Cook, an ordained rabbi, is the Sol slatedfer Feb. 22-27; " " T ^ : , ; They hope to have 600,000 Jews connected to and Arlene Bronstein Professor of Judaeo- •: Jewish Web/Net;Week;-r-which* naturally, has its Jewish'sites that week - the same as the number' Christian Studies at Cincinnati's Hebrew Union own home page (www4ww.org) - was created by of men who, tradition says, stood at Mount Sinai to CollegeJewish Institute of Religion. Yosef Abramowitz. and Martin Kamiher after they receive the Torah. In addition to a record of academic publications, met at a conference on new media and the Jewish, "We're creating a magical moment in Jewish he has participated in more than 130 academic con- community last summer. '•. life,"Abramowitz said. "We hope to spark lots of ferences, 100 institutes for Christian clergy, and Abramowitz, a journalist and author, has created creativity." nearly two dozen meetings for the Association of several Web sites and Kaminer works at his famiThe 600-plus Web sites linking with Jewish Reform Rabbis. ly's educational software development company. Web/Net Week are a diverse bunch. Cook teaches the only required course on New It was a perfect match - two Jewish Webmeisters They range from the Satmar Chasidim to the Testament at any rabbinical seminary in the in their early SOs frustrated that although a high Reform movement; from sites for Orthodox yeshiv-' United States. Well-known in Omaha, Cook will percentage of Jewish homes have computers, as in Israel to one for Washington, D.C.'s gay and also be the principal speaker at the 58th annual Jewish Web sites aren't getting more traffic. / . lesbian synagogue*:;froni^ site by and for AfricanJews"to'pne*providing shopping for gifts RosenBtock Institute on Judaism for Clergy, to be About 85 percent of Jewish homes with children; American have computers, Abramowitz said, but many of the froniIsrael..^'..':-;..-;jUi i'ii. . > . . • . " . ' . ' ' • ' '. held at Temple Israel on Friday, March 20. Jews online are apparently not clicking their way' • *^We*-'d(Ai't.^ee i0^ytyiiifsftifeithe pluralism issues Widely known as a dynamic speaker, Amy-Jill to the estimated 5,000 Jewish Web sites on the and divisiveness that BO plague the Jewish people," Levine presently serves as E. Rhodes and Leona World Wide Web. So they created Jewish WeWNet . s a i d A b r a m o w i t z . •"•; "•:•-•:> . :. .'; :.',•-'••••.• ' ^ { i v / ^ 'B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies W e e k . •: . • • - . • . V.;;V.; -.'.'/. ' .-• •: "We're able,to demonstrate a model of; true-klal v at Vanderbilt University's Divinity School. One of After all, Abramowitz said, there is a Jewish Yisrael"orpeoplehoodihesaid. ; •;/i'-^ "i iH.V ; only a handful of Jewish scholars holding such a Book Month, so why shouldn't this medium have chair in a Christian school of divinity, she has its own special time slot? If. it's successful, they (More stories about Jewish Web Week and (Continued on page 11) hope to make it an annual affair. the Internet on page 7) •; '";.•.;:; ,j

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 20,1998 by Rabbi Howard Kutner Beth Israel Synagogue Guest Columnist

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L Temple Israel Jr. Youth Group Conclave,

p V Feb-20 thru Feb. 22 . , ' Jewish Women International Sweetheart Day at & . The Rose Blumkin Home, 1:30 p.m. _ Kids' Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m., at Beth El .)!"•• SATURDAY, FEBRUARY21 v AZA #1 Jungle Party, 6 p.m. E Beth El New Member Shabbat, 9:30 a.m., Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Israel Preparatory Class, 1 p.m. Temple Israel Sisterhood Friendship Tea, 2 p.m., at Temple Israel Beth El Cantor's Scholarship Concert, 7 p.m., at Beth El MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Scouts, 7p.m. , •:. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Planning & Evaluation Committee Mtg., 7:30 p.m. Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel ... Temple Israel OTYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 C Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. U FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 I Russian Club, 10 a.m. :P"Temple-Israel Scholar-in-Residence „ Dm Greenwood, Feb 27 thru March J1 BESTT Sth'Grade Shabbat dinner, 6 p.m., Beth El "'&, SATURDAYi FEBRUARY 28 •A"|Mr. AZA Pageant, 6 p.m. t: V jCheri*ZimBalista Gdhcertj 8 p.m.'' '"' ^£-AII events held, at the JCp unless otherwise indicated. The " Jewish Press Is not responsible (or the accuracy of the abQye/'fivBnt&.'To keep Calendar accurate or for questions, call MarlonoHortot 334-6437.

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This Shabbat begins the ArbaParshiyot, four special Maftir sections read prior to Purim and Pesach. This week's special portion is known as Parshat Shekalim and deals with the command for every Jew to contribute a half-shekel annually for the Beit Hamikdash--the holy temple and it's Divine service. Today, when we no longer have the Beit Hamikdash, we nevertheless still read the portion of the half-shekel in the synagogue and can still derive important lessons from its text. In the Torah's command concerning the halfshekel, particular emphasis is laid on the necessity to give a half and not a whole shekel. This is difficult to understand. Since one must always try to give the best to G-d, why did the Torah request only half a shekel? Many answers have been suggested. One answer lies in another purpose of the Mechtzis Hashekel collection. It helped facilitate taking a census of the people. Jews were not to be counted directly as individuals, but only through the shekalim. Therefore, a uniform half-shekel was used to show that all Jews are equal in the eyes of G-d. The Torah clearly states "The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less." • This mitzvah of supporting the Divine service was fulfilled by all Jews equally. The rich and poor, the great and common, learned and unlearned, observant or not. All Jews are considered equal before G-d and all are close to Him. The mitzvah of the half-shekel teaches us to love our fellow Jews greatly. So why only half? To teach us everyone as an individual is incomplete and unfulfilled, a mere "half." Only by joining together in unity with our fellow Jews and with the community do we become whole and complete. The Jew and his fellow Jews are two indivisible halves together forming a complete whole. This timeless message is especially apropos in these times of divisiveness. We must remember we are Am Echad-one people, and must do everything within our power to preserve the integrity and unity of the Jewish people. We must never fan the flames of Machlokes (division), but rather come together in support of the people of Israel, the Torah of Israel and the State of Israel. Shabbat Shalom.

ANNA FERER SOSTRIN Services for Anna Sostrin were held Feb. 16 at Golden Hill Cemetery in Omaha. She died Feb. 12 in Palm Beach, FL, at the age of 92. ' A longtime resident of Omaha, she was preceded in death by husbands, Hyman Ferer and Morey Sostrin. ' •. Survivors include a son, Harvey Ferer of Omaha; a daughter, Mrs. Hubert Monsky of Palm Beach, CA; grandchildren, Aaron Ferer, Whitney Ferer, Matthew Ferer and Henry Monsky, all of Omaha, Sharon Morisky Scher of Santa Barbara, CA, Sllyson Ferer Dubin of Los Angeles, and Robin Monsky of Chicago; and nine great-grandchildren. Mrs. Sostrin served on many civic campaigns including: Chairman of the Women's Division of the United Way Drive; Member of the Board of Trustees of Children's Memorial Hospital; President of Friends of Children's Memorial Hospital; Chairman of the Children's Hospital Bazaar; National Vice President of Brandeis University Women's Committee (3 years), and a member of the Board of Directors (9 years); First/ president of Brandeis University chapter in Omaha; Vice-president and founding Board Member of St. Joseph Hospital Service league; and founding Board Member and Vice-president of the Omaha Civic Opera Board of the Omaha Symphony. Memorials to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, Pueblo Medical Commons, 2320 Bath St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. JULIUS I. NOVAK Services for Julius Novak were held Feb. 15 at Beth El Cemetery. He died Feb. 12 at the age of 75. Survivors include his wife, Evylyn; three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandson. Mr. Novak was born in Nebraska City, NE, where where his father, Ben, had opened a car dealership in 1920. In 1958, he left Rosen-Novak to head Novak Cadillac. That dealership, along with Rosen-Novak Chevrolet, was sold to another Omaha car dealership in 1985. Mr. Novak served one six-year term on the M.U.D. board and also served on the Omaha Personnel Board and the City Charter Study Convention in 1965. . Memorials to charity of choice.

RONALD ALAN HERZOFF Services for Ronald Herzoff were held Feb. 15 at by Larry Axelrod Golden Hills Cemetery. He died Feb. 13 at the age of 49. As a docent for three years at the Joslyn Art He was preceded in death by his father, Martin. Museum, my favorite work of art was "Little Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; mother, Ida Dancer Aged Fourteen." Herzoff of Omaha; sister, Nancy Herzoff of San For 30 years, this myste- Francisco; sister and brother-in-law, Denise and rious plaster sculpture of Ronald Ipock; and two nieces. a gawky 14-year-old balMemorials to Luekemia Society or favorite charity, let dancer stole the imagination and hearts of all FANNIE PINKOVITZLYMAN who saw it. Services for Fannie Lyman, formerly of Omaha, Now, with Joslyn's own were held Jan. 28 in Los Angeles. She died Jan. 26 "Little Dancer" an inter- at the age of 92. • national exhibition that Survivors include a son, Arthur Pinkovitz of opened Feb. 7, 55 paint- Madison, WI; daughters and sons-in-law, Doris ings, sculptures, pastels, and Bernard Chester of Baton Rouge, LA, and drawings and prints by Evelyn and Daniel Bourne of Los Angeles; and Edgar Degas will thrill grandchildren and great-grandchildren. an anticipated 50,000 visitors before its May 3 closing. The star of the show is Joa'yh's 1920-21 ca. plaster cast which haB ^ENDOWMENT DIRECTOR^ emerged from virtual obscurity to be shown as the The Foundation of the key intermediary piece between Degas' wax origiJewish Federation of Omaha nal of 1881 and the subsequent bronzes in major museums throughout the world. is seeking applicants for the position of For those of you who love art (or for those of you Endowment Director who don't think you do) this exhibition is a must. This position requires an accounting, financial or legal background with an emphasis on tax proficiency to direct a $24,000,000 organization.

'Degas' showing at Joslyn

This newspaper can be recycled

Send resumes to: Sheldon A. Bernstein The Foundation of the Jewish Federation 333 S. 132nd St. W ••••'• Omaha, NE 68154

I

Ml fa

February 20,1998

PageS

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

CANDLELIGHTING: 5:45 p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 556-6536 FRIDAY: Early worship service, 5:30 pan. Rabbi Azriel will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. Shabbat evening service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate, along with students in the sixth grade, at this Creative Family service. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by parents of the sixth-grade students and by the Temple Sisterhood. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, 10.30 am. Shaina Danielle Meyers, daughter of Berta Meyers and Jon Meyers, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at the Shabbat morning service. Simcha B'Shabbat-An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. The regular Shabbat service will be held in the Sanctuary. SUNDAY: AOL, 10 a.m.: Adult Opportunities for Learning will attend the panel discussion "Are We All Created in God's Image?" Presented by the Social Justice Committee, the discussion will center on gay and lesbian issues and challenges in the Jewish community. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25: Adult B'nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m. to noon. THURSDAY, Feb. 26: Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:30-10:30 a.m.Hazzan Erik Contzius will teach "The World of Jewish Music;" 10:30-11:30 a.m.-Rabbi Debbie Stiel will teach "Talmud for Beginners." 7:30- 8:30 p.m.-Beyond Midrash, led by Don Schwartz. "SHABBAT COMES TO YOU" Friday, February 27, 2 p.m.-Rabbi Debbie Stiel will lead a Shabbat service at the Rose Blumkin Home.

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 httpiVpwl.netcom.coin/~salmim FRIDAYj Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m., at 3012 S. 119th St. in Omaha. SUNDAY: Religious School (all grades) at the Jewish Community Center, 10 ajn. Next Weekend: Rabbi Freitag visits

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism . 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 8:15 ajn. FRTOAY: Early services, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Havdallah and dairy potluck, 7 p.m.-Host is Charles Geffen. Please bring a dish to share.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat services, led by Steve Riekes, 9 a.m. Kiddush will follow.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 556-6288 Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 a.m.; Little People's Service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddush luncheon following services, honoring Melanie Motkin, National Jewish Outreach. Reservations required. Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 5:10 pan.; Mincha, 5:40 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. MONDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.-"Introduction to the Talmud" with Rabbi Kutner; 8:30 p.m.--"Synagogue Skills," learn to chant the Haftorah with its traditional trope. WEDNESDAY: "Jewish Thought and Practice," 7:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. TUESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Choir Practice, 7:30 pan. FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study, 10 aan. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m.; Temple Youth Group (first and third Sundays), noon.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubayitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 Phone:697-1124 E-MADL-chabad@aol.com SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services. Mesibos Shabbos, fun for kids, led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 3:30-5 pan. WEDNESDAY: Mitzvah Munchkins class, lOam-noon THURSDAY: Talmud Class, noon.

OFFUTT

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues - i of Conservative Judaism.'• 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 ':. 492-8550 . •WEB--http://omaliafreenet.org/betb.el Office Hours: Monday through -Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkpvits. FRIDAY: Services, 6 pan. Kids Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.-For pre-school and kindergarten-age children, along with siblings and parents. Ozzie Nogg will be the storyteller. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.ni. New members of Beth El will be honored at Shabbat morning services. Also, USY will take part in the service. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 am.; TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time, first and third Saturday, 11 a m j Ktantan, second and fourth Saturday, 11 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:55 p.m. . SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. Cantor's Concert, 7 p.m., celebrating "Israel is 50." Tickets may be purchased at the office or at the door. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SEMINARY SHABBAT :. 7 Friday e v e n i n g , Feb. 27, a n d Saturday morning, Feb. 28, with guest speaker Andrew ! Pepper, rabbinical student. v i

Bat Mltzv0i Rachel Antionette Taylon, daughter of; Dr. Charles and Mary Ann Taylon, Will celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on Satur- ' day, Feb. 28," at Temple Israel. A seventh grade student at Logan-Fontenelle Jr. High in Bellevue, she enjoys dance, soccer and basketball. Rachel has' a sister, Michelle, and a .brother, Sam.

...'...'..7;T

Grandparents are Esther Taylon of Omaha and the late Sam Tfiylon, and Vera Dowdell of Rio, WI, and, thelate; Don Dowell.

25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 294-6051

Eileen &Miles Rerrter & Family

Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

them~for?servlcds and kiddush : to celebrate Miles'birthday. Saturday, March 7 Beth El synagogue

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb(s>j uno.com

yp

FRTOAY: No services.

PERSONALS To all my wonderful friends and family: Thank you for helping me celebrate my 85th birthday. The cards, flowers, donations, gifts and good wishes made my day very special. Love, Mollle Franklin With love and appreciation to our wonderful family and friends for food, cards and contributions to so many worthwhile charities and organizations.... plus all the warm and caring visits during our week of Shiva. Phil z"l knew all there was to know about Alzhelmers and put up a most heroic struggle for 15 years! Heartfelt thanks to all of you, Helen Schwartz, Danl and Leon Shrago

'Beth Cohen and Harry Berman invite you tojoin themat...,.;.

ff^ff asiHarryisoatte.dto tfe'Tprqfi:: infwnoTof '"•""• • '/us upcoming marnfifiii"' •) to'Beth . " r\ Saturday, February 28 ' ' : ' Torah Service- 9:30 a.m. - r

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 20,1998

Editorial War? •^ .,,

--

Infants in the United States are sent home with delightful gifts of diapers, formula, blankets and other goodies. In Israel, new mothers take home specially-engineered plastic tents to protect their newborns from Iraqi chemical attacks. According to United Nations inspectors, the containers holding toxic chemicals can easily be hidden in a large suitcase and carried from one 'palace'to another. .. . ^ If the United States decides to go to war against Iraq in the .near, future, who will be the real victims?. . ; • ,-..,;,; • •;. Certainly-the people of Iraq will suffer. Children have.suffered from malnutrition and disease since the sanctions imposed in 199.1. Of course, Saddam's yes-men decided to spend their country's oil profits on building more chemical and nuclear plants instead of expanding the economy and advancing educational and health institutions. And jt is ,ve,ry likely that the people of Israel will suffer as, well. The Palestinians have already shown their support of Saddam's policies by dancing in the streets. Iraq may take out its anger on the U.S. by bombing Israel instead in a repeat of the Gulf War. Le^'s hope war is not on the agenda.

Letter from

by Harry Allen

Eilat may be the. Southern frontier of Israeli hedonism for many a suntanned, scantily-clad tourist lolling on the beaches or sitting around in the extravagantly landscaped gardens surrounding the many huge swimming pools of the area's luxury hotels, but this is hardly the outlook of the 50 families who formed Israel's 50th Masorti congregation just a few months ago. Congregation Shirat Hayam's 50 families span many age groups. Families with small children (they now have had three Bar Mitzvahs), older people, American and British Olim, native Israelis, a few families in which the wife covers her head or wears a sheital, Ashkenasim and Sephardim and one familyof Cochin, India Jews. .' •' The congregation is all Hebrew-speaking. On the day the Chief Rabbinate in Israel was reading all of us non-Orthodox Jews out of the Jewish people, thus further marginalizing Orthodoxy, this newest Masorti Congregation was holding a wonderful Tu-; B'Shevat Seder, combined with the arrival of thenfirst Sefer Torah. Both were wonderful ceremonies, filled with music, the sound of children, inspiring t'filah, and an infectious enthusiasm for Judaism. It was an anti-toxin treatment for the statements made by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel in rejecting the modest recommendations of the Neeman Commission. We had not intended to be guests of the Congregation. We were in Eilat for a brief respite from what had been a very hectic schedule. Wei saw the notice of the Seder in the local throwaway paper, so we went. The congregation is currently housed at Beit WIZO, the Wizo building, but it has already outgrown its quarters and expects to double in size over the next few months as young Israeli families with children discover that religious identity is available in Israel in a non-Orthodox setting. jWhatever else may yet come out of the Conservative and Reform push for recognition, the struggle, combined with the rejectionist stance of the; Rabbinate has put our respective movements on the Israeli religious landscape. If our local leadership is wise and the American movements stay involved in Israeli affairs of all kinds, we may, within a few years, see the end of the Orthodox monopoly in Israel.

Behind the Headlines

Pluralism poll on Israeli views results in unintended findings by Debra Nussbaum Cohen

NEW YORK (JTA) - The results of a new survey of Israeli attitudes about religious pluralism are not having the effects intended by the Orthodox group that commissioned it. In fact, the results are being welcomed by leaders of the Reform and Conservative movements, who are hailing the findings as a vindication of their views of the religious pluralism controversy. A study of 500 adult Israeli Jews was conducted last month by the Gallup Institute/Israel for the Orthodox Union, a New York-based organization that represents centrist Orthodox congregations and concerns. The poll had a margin of error of a little more than 4 percent. Those responding to the O.U. poll were asked 16questions. The answers to just six of them were made public by the O.U., which then tried to withdraw one of the findings from its news release because it was "confusing," said the O.U.'s president, Dr. Mandell Ganchrow. That finding was that nearly half of those surveyed said there can be only one standard regarding conversions to Judaism, while 43 percent feel that more than one standard is acceptable. Officials of the liberal movements suggested that the finding was revoked because it didn't support the O.U.'s claims that the liberal movements are virtually unknown and unwanted in the Jewish state. The survey was conducted just as the most recent chapter in the ongoing battle over the rights of non-Orthodox movements in Israel was concluded. The poll found that.while 53 percent of Israelis don't know any Reform or Conservative Jews and 33 percent know very few, the Israeli public is evenly divided about how much it knows about the liberal movements. About one-third of Israelis polled said they don't know anything, or very little, about Reform and Conservative Judaism; one-third said they know something about the liberal movements; and onethird said they know a lot about them, said Charles Levine, a public relations representative who spoke for the O.U. during its conference held in Israel. The O.U., like many Orthodox groups in Israel

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and in America, lobbied hard to ensure that the Chief Rabbinate retain sole control over conversions and other matters of personal status, such as marriage and divorce. The survey also found that: , * Nearly 45 percent surveyed feel the Chief Rabbinate is the most appropriate body to decide the question "Who is a Jew?" contrasted with 27 percent who prefer that Israel's courts decide, and 15 percent who think that the matter should be determined in the Knesset. * For a circumcision, wedding, funeral or other personal ceremony, 42 percent of respondents said they would prefer that an Orthodox rabbi officiate, 22 percent said they would prefer a Reform rabbi, 10 percent a Conservative rabbi, and 11 percent said they didn't care. Six percent said that they preferred none of those options, and 8 percent said they didn't know. : . * Seventy-seven percent said they would not be interested in joining a Reform or Conservative synagogue or community. Conservative and Reform reaction was swift. Rabbi Jerome Epstein, executive vice president of the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, said that if 45 percent of respondents prefer that the Chief Rabbinate be the sole arbiter of Jewish status, then over half do not. "That's basically what we've been saying: Yes, the Chief Rabbinate has the legal right to do what they're doing, but they don't have the support of the people," he said. For his part, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Reform movement's Union of American Hebrew Congregations, said the fact that almost half the number of respondents, if given a choice, said they would prefer Reform officiation at a life-cycle ceremony as would prefer Orthodox, "is extraordinary. These numbers tell me that given how small we are, we're remarkably well known and there is sympathy to us because people are simply unhappy with the coercive monopolistic nature of religious life in Israel. " "Israel has to be a democratic country which allows for freedom of religion, and you do that because it's the character of democratic government and it's the right thing to do," he added.

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE

Lloyd Roitsteih, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary, Blyce Azriel; Jill Belmunt; liob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eiaenberg; Linda Lnchin; Shcryl Lee; George Schapiro; Howard Silber. Editorials cxprcsB the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as n whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right lo edit letters nnd articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of uny prodlict or efllnblishi.irat.

February 20,1998

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Back to court and Knesset? The pluralism battle plods on by David Landau

^ T h e signatories also voiced supportior tne Home observerslelt tnechoice ot language was an Ne'eman Committee's negotiation process, rather attempt to rule out cooperation with the Reform JERUSALEM (JTA) - Back to the courts and the than litigation, which has been pursued by the movement while leaving some room for cooperation Knesset? No one is sure where the battle over reli- Reform and Conservative movements. with the Conservatives. But the two movements gious pluralism in Israel is headed now that efforts Last month, the Ne'eman Committee recommend- displayed unity in their bitter reaction to the ratH for resolving the conversion crisis through negotia- ed that the Orthodox Rabbinate retain sole juris- binate's position. • •'!•."'•: VJI: tions apparently have failed. diction over conversions in Israel, and that nonThe Ne'eman Committee recomm'endatibrisr' The Reform and Conservative movements are Orthodox rabbis be allowed to participate in a con- which were formulated in'principle'sbmS'hfonth's^'1 vowing to head back to the Israeli courts to press version training institute to be overseen by the ago, have been! their legal case for official recognition in the Jewish Jewish Agency for Israel. . hopes and bleak prospect's.'-The highest'hbjje's • state, and the fervently Orthodox say they will centered "oh the Sephardi cliief rabbiJ'Elfyanif'H '<[ revive efforts to pass conversion legislation. Bakshi-Doron, who had appeared to indicate1 thtfl/KC> But nothing is that simple when it comes to the The Chief Rabbinate Council, he favored the recommendations. !r ' '•""'"'-' erini issue that has galvanized forces on all sides of the Observers predicted that if Bakshi-Ddr'on* tobE""1' in a unanimous decision last debate and has threatened to create a great rift the lead, a majority on the Chief Rabbinate Council"11' week, pledged to set up more between Israel and American Jewry, the majority would endorse' the' 'recbmmendationr.!!Bfft!-la^treligious courts to handle conof whom are not Orthodox. ' month the fervently Orthodox'leadership'iif~KraeI'"r"'! versions. But the council pointThe latest chapter in the ongoing struggle comes and in the United States'mounted a cbiice'rfied^iiB-'11'' after Israel's Chief Rabbinate Council did not edly declined to address the lie campaign designed' to'bring preSBure'bri'the^'-^ endorse a recommended solution to the conversion council and its chairmen, Bakslu-Dorbn'anbrlLkli."^ I ; c crucial part of the proposal crisis last week/The solution was formulated by an The climax of this effort wag a thundering Ji the creation of a joint institute interdenominational committee headed by Finance mation, issued 1 to prepare candidates for conMinister Ya'akov Ne'eman. Orthodox rabbis itl: I ..„.._ Dversion. But the council stopped short of rejecting the with the liberal movements: -The proclarMtiSn re'ft?';c Ne'eman Committee's proposals explicitly. no doubt that it expected the CWef;RabBinate;W';'':: And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose The Ashkenazi chief rabbi, Yisrael Meir Lau, said reject the Ne'eman reepmmendations/10'1;|A coalition is threatened by this dispute, maintained in an interview following the decision that the reliAmong the signatories^''and „ that the council's decision was a step towards con- gious courts were indifferent as to where a candi- cess of this haredi'effort -•'••"was Ra'bbi;0Watfia3f1i sensus. Despite the blow to a seven-month effort to date had learned about Judaism. They received Yosef, spiritual mentor of the Shas Party-and-uniresolve the issue through negotiations, for the short everyone "with open hearts" and applied the same versally considered the. foremDpt Sephardi jaiijhojrijterm at least, the rabbis and the politicians are criteria regardless, he said. ty in the Orthodox-worldj. . ;_ ^'£'•.} likely to persevere in their efforts rather than This, like the wording of the council's decision, Bakshi-Doron, who is seen as YoseFiptfJactpfeir— admit failure and trigger a political crisis. seemed intended to create a vague impression that would be left dangling alone Th the~coI3 "wincHa After all, none of the parties involved in the dis- the rabbinate did not totally reject the Ne'eman Orthodox disapproval — unless1 he swif&y'Jix%cuted pute wants to be accused of provoking a coalition Committee's formula. But the rabbinate issued a a sharp change of dourse;;Thf C h M Rab$ijh'sfir3;J crisiB while anxious Israelis scramble to get the lat- statement vowing to prevent any conversion "or Council's decision last weekreflected'tnisij'e$ "Jt ; est-model gas masks in case an American attack on mimic conversion" in Israel that was not carried alignment. ' " " :' :'"''"' :-H:i:"+n-nvu-;si »n.t Iraq prompts Saddam Hussein to launch missiles out under the rabbinate's authority - and demand' i! yilj at Israel. ed that this exclusivity be enshrined in law. But the Iraqi crisis may provide only a tempoWithout referring to the liberal movements rary, respite to the religious pluralism battle in explicitly, the statement blasted "those who are Israel. trying to shake the foundations of the Jewish reliAmerican Heart The Orthodox political parties, which have gion, causing rifts among the people and causing ;.;.... Association opposed any initiative to grant legal recognition to them to Btray from the generations-old heritage." non-Orthodox conversions performed in Israel, are This seemed to rule out any hope that the council committed to leaving the Netanyahu government if might in the future accept Ne'eman's recommendathe Knesset does not pass legislation codifying the .tion that a joint body run the'proposed conversion Orthodoxcbntrblovelrctjriversibns.''1 [''"'"' : l 1 ' ' trainingiinstitutei. " V •''i"lR;;-VlJ A day after the Chief Rabbinate Council's meeting, 72 Knesset members, including Netanyahu, signed a petition supporting the Ne'eman Committee's recommendations — a clear sign that G ET, A! LOW •' H 0 M the Orthodox, who hold 23 seats in the 120-member Knesset, would lose the legislative battle. LOAN RATE BY:PUTTING

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 20,1698

International percussionist performs for Israel's 50th Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln will ; [Members, will meet Monday at the JCC. English present To Kill a Mockingbird from March 6-14 at as a;pepQn,d language class is offered to new 8 p.m., and on March 15 at 2 p.m., in the McDonald Americans at; 10 a.m. in the conference room. Theatre. For more information, contact Mike Exercise and bingo both start at 10:30 a.m. At Tobias at 402-465-2319. Ham,,; bring articles to shared at the: discussion KosmaS: Czechoslovak and Central European groupin the; adult lounge. Following lunch at noon, Journal recently published an article by local attorGloriann Levy, JCAC Director, will speak. For ney Oliver Pollak, Professor of history at the transportation, call 830-4272, . University of Nebraska at Omaha. The article is entitled " A Medical Memoir of Terezin . , ' WALK-IN, DROP-IN (Theresienstadt) Concentration Camp by Felix Therewill be no program Thursday due to the day Bachmann, M.D." The journal is available in the trip to.Winnavegas. Those members going, please Jewish Federation Library. meet at the JCC by 8:30 a.m. For transportation to Five participants earned prizes in the Jewish the JCC, call Maggie Conti at 335-6521. Community Center's Swim Around Israel for 1997: Sharon Gedraez swam 94 miles; Murray RUSSIAN CLUB The next Russian Club will meet Feb. 27 at the Newman completed 98.75 miles; Lisa Senal comJCC. At 10 a.m., morning breakfast will be served pleted 450 miles. John Skoog was the men's top in room 10. At 10:45 a.m., a day trip is scheduled to finisher with 453.5 miles. Judy Wickersham was see the Western Heritage Museum exhibit "The the women's top mile earner with 522 miles. Swim Around Israel 1998 is for anyone who Holy Art of Imperial Russia." This rare display of more than 200 icons will works out.in the water. Exercising for 30 minutes explore Russian icon painting and development, in the pool will earn one mile for a trip around including both traditional and popular forms and Israel; the total trip is 447 miles. The programrituals from the post 17th century era. Cost is runs through December and costs $10 to enter. $4.50 (includes breakfast). Make reservations by Sign up at the JCC Member Services Desk. Feb. 25 with Lydia Linde at 697-9169. The Supreme Court of Nebraska has appointed VISIONS Last Notice-Visions membership dues are due by March 1. Please mail your check payable to Visions in the amount of $5 per person to: Visions, c/o Lois and Gerald Bernstien, 14810 Cass Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. 39-FOREVER A Purim potluck supper will be held on Sunday, March 8, at Offut Air Force Base Chapel. Please bring a dairy dish and a can of food for the Omaha Food Bank. For more information, call Maxine Noodeil, 493-7483.

BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Ira Flax will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Steve Riekes. Rabbi Flax is tfie Jewish Chaplain at Offutt Air Force Base. He recently returned from Saudi Arabia and will speak on the Jewish experience in the Air Force. Breadbreakers meets- every Wednesday at noon at Highland Country-Club. The program is open to jhe^cdinmunity. Cost is $7.75.

Hamantashen bakers needed! pBakers. ; forthe "Hamantashen Team" are needed for the following dates: Feb. 25 and 26, and March 1, 2, 5. apd '.8 (March 1 a n d - 8 a r e Sundays). Attention to the taskis required, but no experience necessary." —•-.--• . . . . . . To volunteer, please call Selma Sadofsky at 551-

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Harold M. Zabin to the Nebraska Disciplinary Review Board. Mr. Zabin is a partner in the law firm of Marks, Clare & Richards. Allan M. Gonsher, nationally recognized author and speaker, will present three lectures: March 10, 7:30-9 p.m., The Theory of Jewish Parenting: The First Five Years-What Happens?; March 17,7:30-9 p.m., Sibling Rivalry, Allowance, Communication and other Related Issues; March 24, 7:30-9 p.m., Homework, Friends and SchoolRelated Issues. All sessions will be held at Regency Lake and Tennis Club. For more information, call 330-4014. The Omaha Theatre Company Dancers will present a program of classical and contemporary ballets Confetti '98 on; Feb. 20 and 21 at the Rose 'Blumki'n Performing Arts Center. Konservatoriet will be accompanied by concert pianist Svetlana Rodionova. The Angel Dances and The Ballet of Life will be accompanied by The Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha and conducted by Chuck Pennington, who was also musical director of the 1997 production "Beth El In All Its Glory." Jennifer Lee, a sophomore at Millard North High School, has been a member of the orchestra for two years and will play first violin for the ballet program. ' . On Sunday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Ms. Rodionova will play the harpsichord and piano with the Omaha Chamber Players. The event is at The Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 S. 114th St., and admission is free.

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Chen Zimbalista, Israeli percussionist, and his ensemble will perform in Omaha this month as part of the Mideast/West Fest. The Jewish Community Center will host his only public concert on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 for JCC members; $10 for non-members and $5 for students and seniors. Zimbalists is Israeli's only solo percussionist and one of only 30 worldwide. Using more than 40 drums, cymbals, a marimba and a vibraphone to tell his story—one with its foundations rooted in the Middle East environment-he takes his audience on a "roller coaster ride" of sound. His music "defies classification," according to Christi Johnston at the Nebraska Arts Council (NAC), one of the Fest's sponsors, and is described as "an international mix of classical, blues, jazz and Soft rock." ' : The Fest is an Israeli cultural outreach program ' sponsored by the NAC, JCC and Heart of Care. Other major sponsors for his American tour include the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Israel/Cultural Department, Amstore, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Lufthansa Airlines, Ben Teitel Charitable Trust, Gerald Cook Trustee, and Ludwig Industries. While in Omaha, Zimbalista and his ensemble will conduct a variety of workshops and demonstrations for students throughout the city. He will visit only seven American communities, five of which are in the midwest. For ticket reservations, call the NAC, 595-2122; or JCC Members Services, 334-6426.

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PEOPLE OF THE BYTE

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE -

Page 7

it's never to late to start sygiing

Learning online provides 'spiritual lifelineMor adults

by Jane Potter, M.D., Chief of geriatrics and < gerontology at the University of NE Medical Center.

by Debra Nussbaum Cohen

NEW YORK (JTA) - Eleanor Gibson is a cranberry farmer in a rural part of Washington state where hers, she says with a laugh, is one of only two Jewish families in the area. Every day - usually for an hour, sometimes for two or three -- she logs onto a new, online adult, education'course. At Mishpacha: A Community of Learning for Jewish Parents, Gibson learns about Judaism's views on issues as varied as food and death. Mishpacha, which w a s created by Larry and testing people afterwards, but creating, discusYudelson, who has been Jewishly active on the sion in the community as peers about what i t World Wide Web,'and Conservative Rabbi Dianne' means to be Jewish," says course creator Larry Cohler-Esses, is one of a burgeoning number of Yudelson. . •Other programs are more academically inclined. adult education courses available online. The Conservative movement's Jewish Theological At a time of intense communal concern over Jewish alienation, online learning seems to provide Seminary of America, for instance, has a Distance a powerful entree into Jewish life. The first incar- Learning Project, which offers "Introduction to the nation of online connectivity and learning, which Talmud* and an "Introduction to Jewish Theology" started nearly a decade ago, took the form of elec- (wwwjtsa.edu/melton/courses). Each is tailored, to different audiences. Each can tronicallymailed listservs, automated systems that distribute information to a. community of electronic be taken for college credit, and both are being shaped for use in Jewish supplemental high subscribers. Shamash, a Jewish community umbrella site on schools, according to Michael Starr, director of disthe Web, alone has 267 lists with 36,000 different tance learning for JTS. The best aspects of Jewish online learning, particpeople subscribing, according to Nathan Erlich, director of the Center, for Information Technology ipants and organizers agree, is that it makes highat Hebrew College in Brookline, Mass., where level resources available to people wherever they are physically or spiritually. Shamash (www.shamash.org) is based. Online learning is also well-suited to "people who Participation in such lists provides experiences that range from informal to formal education, with may have had bad rabbi experiences, or who are a heavy emphasis on the exchange of information frustrated their synagogues don't talk more about . among peers. The cutting edge of online learning God and religion," Yudelson says. For his part, Yudelson is organizing a second today, say those involved, are adult; education courses with teachers and curricula and a high Mishpacha group, which will begin even though the first doesn't want to end -- another benefit of degree of interactivity. : online learning is that there's no limit to the Still, there are a number of approaches. * amount of virtual classroom space available. Mishpacha's focus "is not on teaching curriculum

It seems 'like everyone ••is'- turning-'tbsthe' World Wide Web (WWW) for answers lately. In1 the [age bf technology, it is easy for seniors to feel and out of the loop. . - i ^ < ; b ' However, the Internet; a l t h o u g h ' ^ intimidating, is more often a one-stop- source'ftii? service, knowledge and entertainment, i •..•nicruuf! There are a few simple rules that will allowyouto1 log onto your computer and begin surfing the web. First, we need to define What the Internet is-a network of ideas linked onto a computer.1 "AnyandiviclT ual can access it through a variety of servers,' the' vehicle that takes you around the Internet; : >:; :;"';;:: Next, you must determine where you can access the Internet. Not every computer is automatically connected to the Internet. However, there are a number of different packages that can connect your computer. Most public libraries also have : Internetaccess at no charge for users. •• ;•"'••"- M Shopping, travel services, games, news arid i n t e r active sites are just the beginning of what the1 WWW has to offer. There are many sites'designed specifically for the senior market. These -pages" include senior chat lines, senior activities' and ! hiin ; dreds of other topics.

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A search engine requires you to type in'the Sub-ject of interest. Then it provides you with a list of ~ addresses that pertain to your selected topic. There are several different search engines available, including Alta Vista, Yahoo arid WebCrawler.' • • : Currently, there are more than 657,000 different \ sites aimed at senior web users. Among them is ' SeniorCom a t http://Avww.seilior.coni ••' '•• '•'•' This site offers senior services, a community-cap-•' endar, message center and others. The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha has a site that addresses various health issues. Type in the address h t t p : / / w w w . u n m c . e d u and you are immediately connected to patient care information,'-! department guides and a link to UNMC's geriatric ' and gerontology site. ;:[•:••; i

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March 10, 7:30-9 p.m.- The Theory of Jewish Parenting: The '" First Five Years-What Happens? , :"-March 17,7:30-9 p.m.-Sibling Rivalry, Allowance, Communication and other Related Issues • March 24, 7:30-9 p.m.--Homework, Friends and SchoolRelated Issues Allan writes ah informative column on Jewish Parenting in several Jewish newspapers and periodicals. He is the author of An Allowanceis Not a Bribe and recently had chapters published in Jewish Family and Life and 101 Play Therapy Techniques. PRE-PAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (Limited space available) - S1Q Rer session ($15 per couple) Send reservation to:

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 20,1998

Monday night forum

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The Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee of the Jewish Education and Library Services will sponsor Four Great Monday Night Forums on the topic of "The Hebrew Bible and Modern Dilemmas". j. i The forums will take place un Monday nights, March 9,16, 23 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditori• > ' . "• - * • ' . * um of-the Jewish Community Center. Admis\ sion is free and open to \ the public. Dr. Ira Fox On March 23, Dr. Ira Fox, Director of Transplant Research at the Profs. Yoram Salomon (left), and Avigdor University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Eabbi Scherz of Israel's Weizmann Institute of Paul Drazen of Beth El Synagogue will be the fea- Science have reported on a new development tured panel on the topic of "The Bible and Spare in cancer therapy which destroys tumors by Parts"—Cloning, Genetic Engineering, Transplants exposing them to light. PDT, or photodynamand Organ Donations. ic therapy, uses drugs that become toxic Dr. Fox is a cum laude graduate of Harvard when exposed to light. The materials develCollege (Chemistry and Physics) and received his oped by these two scientists at Weizmann's M.D. at Columbia University, College of Physicians Plant Sciences Department were shown to and Surgeons, New York, in 1976. He has done kill cancer cells in tissue cultures and mice. post-degree and continuing education training in The Dutch company, Steba Beheer NV, is now transplants at the University of Pittsburgh, School developing them for clinical use worldwide. of Medicine and currently serves as Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He currently serves on the Lied Transplant Center Committee, the National Institutes of Health panel on Gene Therapy and the University of Nebraska Medical Center Medical Ethics Committee. The Forums will start on Monday, March 9, with Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Synagogue on the topic of "Adultery and Divorce" as viewed in the Bible and today. On Monday, March 16, Dr. Richard Freund, Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at UNO, will discuss "Abortion and the Right To Die", and on Monday, March 30, Rabbi Debbie Stiel of Temple Israel will deal with.the controversial topic of "Intermarriage and Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El Synagogue (standing) led students of the Friedel Jewish Patrilineal Descent". This Forum series is underwritten by a grant Academy and their parents in a Tu B'Shevnt from the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in seder last week. The group celebrated the Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. For "Birthday of the Trees' by drinking four cups more information, please call Gloriann Levy at of grape juice and tasting the seven species 334-6403. . of fruit mentioned in the Bible.

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The University of Nebraska at Omaha*(UNO) Department of Dramatic Arts will stage a 1994 Kennedy Center New American Play Award winner, My Other Heart, by Martha Boesing. It will preview on Thursday, Feb. 26, and continue Feb. 27,28, and March 4-7. ' This is the second production of this play. Director Douglas Paterson, set designer Steven Williams, lighting designer Robert Welk, costume designer Sharon Sobel, and the student ensemble are all devoted to achieving Boesing's vision. My Other Heart is set in Spain 1494, 'as the Inquisition has expelled tens of thousands of Jews. Christopher Columbus and his crew are on the second voyage to the New World. Anton, one of his navigators, has returned early from the journey with gifts for his wife, Pilar. Among these gifts is a slave, Cara, a young Tainos woman from Guanhani, and she and Pilar become great friends, or what the Arawak language calls "my other heart." But the Inquisition is raging and it becomes known that Pilar has Jewish blood in her veins. Soon the religiously fanatic crowd will be at her door. Director of the UNO production, Dr. Douglas Paterson, is a member of the Dramatic Arts faculty and a long-time friend of the playwright. He is responsible for bringing My Other Heart to UNO and has worked closely with Boesing to avoid the failings of the Chicago production. Both say that the original production focused on the Spanish Inquisition. They believe it ignored the importance of the profound relationship between Cara and Pilar and the connection forged despite

the two women's cultural and class divisions. Boesing and Paterson agree that My Other Heart is about the private struggles in marriage and between friends that should only be illuminated through the context of the Inquisition and Columbus' exploitation of the new found American Islands. Martha Boesing has written and collaborated on more than 36 plays. Her work has been produced all over the United States and Canada. "Playwrighting is not a literary art form" she explains. "Not until the play is on its feet with actors and set and an audience, is it art." Alex Levy-Heller, a young Jewish studentfromRio de Janerio, is a member of the cast. The theater is located in the Del and Lou Ann ' Weber Fine Arts Building on the UNO campus at 6001 Dodge St. Tickets are $7 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens. Discount tickets are available for'the Thursday, Feb. 26, preview, and the Wednesday, March 4, performance. All performances begin at 8 pm. For reservations or additional information, please call the theatre box office at 554-2335. The theatre is equipped to support' the hearing impaired and limited wheelchair seating is available. Patrons with special needs are encouraged to call in advance for reservations. MY OTHER HEART contains adult material which may hot be suitable for children. Parents should exercise discretion. Please call the Department of Dramatic Arts, 5542406, with any questions or concerns.

)

February 20,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 9 Primary Election Preview

AZM announces song competition

Hoppner stresses experience in speech to Breadbreakers by Carol Katzman "The people of Nebraska will vote in the election for the first governor of the 21st century," noted Bill Hoppner, candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor. "Will the people of this state get the education they need to compete in the next century?" he asked the group of about 15 gathered at last week's B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers gathering. "And will they find rewarding work here in Nebraska?" Those two questions were the focus of this second-time candidate for governor. Hoppner ran for this position in 1992, falling only 42 votes short of the nomination against Governor Ben Nelson. He has also served as legal counsel to Jim Exon during two of his terms as governor and as chief of staff to Bob Kerrey while governor. As a businessman, Hoppner cited his experience running a small business in the transportation field, shipping materials to and from the Midwest from all over the world. He noted that 58% of all Nebraska businesses are firms with fewer that 100 employeeB and said that "the jobs and opportunities of the 21st century will be created by owners of small businesses and entrepreneurs." Hoppner referred to his father's experience of the 1930s when "he rode the rails and wound up in Oregon, working for the Civilian Conservation Corps. He made $20 a month, $19 of which he sent home and I learned from him that we can never be at our best as a country until we provide economic opportunities to the least among us." When asked about the state's role in education, he replied that whether standards are mandatory or not, the local school boards should make those decisions, but the state should assist them with the discussions. Expanding on that question, Hoppner added that he is concerned about proposed voucher programs. "Which kids can get in to private schools and which ones will be excluded," he asked, "Let's look instead at what our kids get and how it's being provided and then let's examine new ways of administering and organizing schools.as well as the quality of teachers in the system." Again referring to education in Nebraska, Hoppner asked the audience to consider not only the ability to provide skilled people for businesses, but also ensuring t h a t "working mothers and fathers who currently aren't skilled get the training they need, either through an extension of secondary schools or through technical schools." In addressing the issues of taxes and the size of government, Hoppner reminded the group that under Exon and Kerrey, the state spending had to be downsized due to the recession in agriculture and lower revenues. "I helped prepare eight budgets," Hoppner said, "and several of them included cutbacks. More than half the state budget is for local units of government; another quarter goes to the university system. That doesn't leave a lot of room." . Hoppner noted that he is not a proponent of gun control and said it "is not an answer to crime." On the issue of abortion, he noted that he doesn't "feel it is an appropriate role of government to be involved in decisions made by a woman and her family." Regarding the proposed arena in Douglas County, Hoppner said that until the proposal is a firm one, the discussions among all interested parties should continue. Even though the Nebraska Unicameral would have to vote to allow an increase in the sales tax, Hoppner stated that such a tax would affect the entire state and therefore it's appropriate for the legislature to be part of the discussion, "but once the voters of Douglas County have a consensus, then 111 look at solutions." Hoppner spoke of the impressive economic growth in Nebraska, but noted there are problems that need to be faced. "There are no magical answers," he said, "Others have words provided by pollsters and political advisors. I have the real life experience from my tenure in the Exon and Kerrey years of what a governor actually does. It will be my job to respond to the | concerns of hardworking Nebraskans,"

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Steve Penner, left, poses a question to gubernatorial candidate Bill Hoppner, as Breadbreakers Sam Epstein and Henry Riekes listen to the discussion. (Editor's note: any group featuring a candidate for local, state or national office in an appearance before their organization, should contact the Jewish Press, 334-6450, to arrange for coverage of the event. As a nonprofit organization, the Jewish Press cannot endorse candidates or political parties, but can cover events at which candidates speak.

New York - How can American Jews express \ their love for Israel while celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Jewish State? One way is through music and the creative process, according to t h e American Zionist Movement which has announced its fourth song competition. Zemer Loch (A Song for You), is open to American musicians of all ages. The name, Zemer Loch, echoes the refrain of an old Hebrew ,.' folksong. . '. ; AZM invites entrants to submit previously.; unpublished and unrecorded compositions'that; eel- } ebrate Israel and Zionism. Songwriters are asked ' to focus on the 50th anniversary of the State. Songs should be two to four minutes in length with either original lyrics or adaptations of traditional.sourcematerial. Lyrics can be in English and/or i n Hebrew. Only one entry may be submitted per per-.^ son, in the form of an audio cassette. Compositions should be suitable for group singing. El Al Israel Airlines and Hadassah are'the'two co-sponsors of this year's competition.. Entries can • be submitted in the professional or. amateur category of competition. The winner in the professional category will receive a round trip ticket to Israel and $1,000. The winner in the amateur category, will receive a round trip ticket to Israel. The.dead*v' line is May 1. Finalists will be notified in June. ..; .' Entry forms may be obtained by writing to Linda j j Harth, Coordinator, AZM (Chicago Region), 5050 il Church Street, Skokie, IL, 60077; phone: 847/677-i ; '• 5949, or e-mail azmchi@2cc.com ;" i ! <i

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 20,1998

Have you ever lived in Israel? Have you visited the country or studied there? If the answer is'yes'then the Jewish Press wants to hear from you. The deadline for the April 10 Passover issue is March 1 for stories and photos. Questions? Call 334-6450.

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Former refusenik now helping other Jews (Continued from page 1) His ties to Israel are closer than just his job, "Some years later,' Allen continued, "Alla's daughter was working as a camera woman for however. The Allen's older daughter has made Israel television. She was given an assignment to aliyah to Israel and his parents live in Jerusalem interview a former leader of the refusenik move- (Harry Allen is a frequent contributor to these pages and writes "Letter from Israel"). ment. "We're not done with this historic march home," "Imagine her surprise when her mother turned out to be the subject of the interview!" Allen added, Allen said. "We're celebrating 100 years of Zionism "Alla's own daughters didn't even know the full and 50 years of Israeli statehood, but it's still going to take large sums of money to bring them home. story." "We have a responsibility to the kids without Levy has worked in Moscow for the last year, dealing with Jews in the FSU's largest cities. parents and to the elderly, too," he added, "They According to Allen, the early immigrants were have a right to come to Israel, along with families." from the smaller Jewish communities, like Baku, Allen alluded to the serious difficulties faced by Tblisi, Minsk. Now those from Kiev, St. Petersburg JAFI. Years of massive immigration have left the and Moscow are beginning to inquire about mak- agency with huge debts and some of their annual ing aliyah. budget is spent on repaying those loans. In addition to the one billion dollars raised for In 1997, 54,000 Jews from the FSU made aliyah Operation Exodus, some $300 million of that total; to Israel, up from the year before. Allen says the JAFI motto is "A million resettled was returned to local communities (like Omaha) to • by 2000." With 850,000 Jews from the FSU already resettle Jews in the United States. And while resettled in Israel, he says the total of one million Operation Exodus was taking place, the Jewish Agency airlifted some 14,000 Jews from Ethiopili will easily be reached. to Israel. That entailed careful organization mili| "The only obstacle will be money," he noted. Allen is no stranger to fundraising, having come tarily and diplomatically, as well as paying for it up through the ranks of the United Israel Appeal, by raising additional funds for Operation Solomon./ the allocation arm of the Jewish Federation/United "Fifty years ago when the state was new, immiJewish Appeal campaign system. grants had to live in tents and bathe in the sea,f A graduate of the University of Nebraska at recalled Allen. "Today's immigrants want the sami Lincoln, Allen is probably the only UNL graduate facilities they left behind or would have if they who went on to earn smicha, rabbincal ordination, came to the United States. from Hebrew Union College. "They want the same educational and economic He grew up in what he describes as a "Zionist opportunities we want for our own families," he added, "At the height of the Soviet immigrations, house," the son of Harry and Annie Allen. "I am also a product of Herzl Camp," he boasts, Israel was bringing in twice as many PhDs as the having spent nine years there from age 12 to 21. "I United States produces in one year." was fortunate to have counselors like Abe Foxman "Ben Gurion said 'a state can do many things, (who is today Executive Director of the the Anti- but it cannot bring an immigrant a cup of tea,' Defamation League's national office)." Allen concluded. His wife, Mary Lou Allen, is connected to Herzl "What Joe (Kirshenbaum) and Bob (Kully) were| as well, having served as director of the camp in doing last month in Minsk was giving that cup o: the early 90s. She is originally from Des Moines. tea. That's what the UJA/Federation Campaigi After graduating from HUC, Allen staffed sever- supports. al Hillel centers and then became Director of "It may not be Joe or Bob who are actually giving Young Leadership for the UJA. For the last ten the cup of tea, but that's what people like Allt years he has served on the UIA staff, noting that Levy do on a daily basis. he "went from sales to management." He was "And that's our obligation to continue," he urged! named Executive Director last year.

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Israeli high-tech companies are seeking the 'best and brightest' at a career fair at the Technion -Israel Institute of Technology. Israel is short some 3000 engineers, a situation that threatens its high-tech boom. To help alleviate the shortage, the Technion has launch a retraining program, a special faculty to train software engineers and a plan to expand its student body by up to 50 percent Apparently having more engineers and scientists per .capita than anywhere else in the world Is not enough for the tiny state. Israel

still needs more and some American compa nies with operations in Israel are importinj Jordanian and Palestinian engineers Engineers' starting salaries now rival those in the United States and interest anon young people is growing. Technion has. sonn 11,000 students and 700 faculty members whj study and work in their 19 facilities and research centers in Haifa. It has pioneer, work in communications, electronics, co: puter science, aerospace biotechnology, m icine and water-resource management.

V4\

February 20,1998 And Prairie Dogs Weren't Kosher. Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest Since 1855

by Linda Mack Schloff

by Carol Gendler

This book was inspired by an exhibit called Unpacking on the Prairie: Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest, organized by the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest and the Minnesota Historical Society. Research for the exhibit uncovered a number of written and oral accounts describing an aspect, of history that has received little attention from historians and writers, and which could not be well utilized in an exhibit. The history of the region-social, religious, economic and cultural—is much enhanced by this volume, which fits the memories and experiences of the settlers in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Northern Iowa into the historical context of the time, and makes clear the difficulties experienced by these women who transported their strange and often unknown religion and customs into a harsh and primitive land, and faced lives and challenges vastly different from those they had known in their homelands in eastern Europe. And Prairie Dogs Weren't Kosher allows the reader to share in the experiences of the Jewish pioneers by listening, as it were, to their voices. Most of the experiences recounted are from the period 1890 to 1920, but the author does bring the story farther into the present century because the organizational life of Jewish women actually began to thrive in the 1920s, and the importance of Jewish identity has long outlived the immigration process, which came to an end in that decade. Schloff has been meticulous in making careful explanations of Jewish customs and practices that might be unfamiliar to many readers, and in providing readable pronunciation, transliteration and definitions of Hebrew/Yiddish terms. She has succeeded in preserving the integrity and character of the first-person accounts by leaving the often faulty syntax of newly arrived Americans intact. We are told of the wrenching emotionalism of departures from family and homeland, when many

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Page 11

(Continued from page 1) of these family members likely would not ever meet again/Opportunities were severely limited for written extensively on the Gospels, especially young Jews of both sexes in anti-Semitic Eastern Matthew, and on women both as biblical characEurope, and pogroms and other anti-Semitic expe- ters and as biblical scholars. She has also presentriences inspired departures. And so they left, some- ed numerous papers at scholarly meetings and for tunes to join other family members who had come church, synagogue, and ecumenical groups. ; earlier, sometimes sponsored by a Jewish organizaAdele Reinhartz is Professor in the. tion, often leaving behind parents and siblings. The voices of the immigrants tell us what it was Department of Religious' Studies at McMaster like to begin life in the midwest, often in cities and University and associate dean of McMaster's small towns, but sometimes in the middle of School of Graduate Studies. She is known among nowhere, miles from the nearest neighbor, where her scholarly peers for her work on the Gospel of there existed neither a Jewish community nor John, and also published on female characters in access to koBher food. Some took up homesteads, the Bible, such as Esther and Samson's mother. others were part of a few short-lived experimental She is also a frequent participant at scholarly Jewish agricultural settlements, where they took meetings and presently Serves as president of the their chances and struggled against the elements Canadian Society of Biblical Studies. V.;'^1. just as did other pioneers. . Professor of Religion at Barnard College, These, women worked hard at home, and orga- Columbia University, Alan F. Segal has a repunized their Jewish communities as were starting • tation as an engaging and energetic speaker for organizations to provide assistance for the less for- both academic and popular audiences: A specialist tunate, and forming branches of national Jewish in the life and writings of the apostle Paul, Segal organizations such as Hadassah and the Council of publishes widely and has written a number of Jewish Women. books, including Rebecca's Children: Judaism and The author has included many photographs Christianity in the Roman World and Paul the which help to graphically tell the story of these pioConvert. neer women. Although there is an extensive bibliHe is also the recipient of awards and fellowography and all of the voices are carefully and fully ships from the American Council of Learned identified, there are no footnotes. And Prairie Dogs Aren't Kosher begins to fill a Societies and the J.S. Guggenheim Foundation. void in American Jewish history and admirably The Colloquium is open to the public and will expands our access to the religious, cultural and take place at Creighton's Skut Student Center, social lives of women in the middle of America and beginning at 8:30 a.m. t their contributions to the larger community. For more information and reservations (at $15 Carol Gendler, President of Legal Information per person), please contact me at 280-2304 or Services Inc. in Omaha and former Director of the 2303. ..;..•,::: Douglas County Law Library, is the author of a numThe Colloquium is sponsored by Creighton ber of published articles on Nebraska Jewish history, College of Arts and Sciences and. the Nebraska and has reviewed books for Nebraska History. Humanities Council, along with the Jewish Editor's Note: The above review was pubCultural Arts Council. ': lished in Nebraska History, Summer 1997.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 20,1998

Sheldon Bernstein announces his retirement by Claudia Sherman, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Sheldon A. Bernstein, Endowment serve the community that I have always felt I owe a debt of Director of The Federation!" gratitude. We had been Foundation since 1992, hasf away for 21 years," he announced his retirement.'. noted. "I had more fun and Bernstein and his wife, probably enjoyed this posiLorrie', will return after tion more than anything May 1 to Oceanside, CA, , I've done," he added. . where they lived prior to Mrs. Bernstein also moving to Omaha. became involved in the •: "It was my goal when I community during the past apcepted this position to six years as a volunteer for ;•' increase the Foundation's the Rose Blumkin Jewish 'I assets by ,50 percent over y the next five years," Sheldon Bernstein Home. She was co-chair, Bernstein said. The value of endow- man of the 1995 "Love Affair." .; merit funds has more than doubled Harley Schrager, chairman of the }i since he has been the director. Board of Trustees, stated that "the p : Wlien he assumed the position of Jewish Community owes Sheldon a vendowinent director, Bernstein debt of gratitude for his exemplary | bjfought'more than 40 years of public service. During'his tenure, the B accourfti&JE; (experience. His previous Foundation grew at a much more pp and Vice presi- rapid rate than it had during its previderit, had^been with Wachbrit, Groll, bus history. Sheldon brought profesFreedntat»*& Bernstein of Sherman sional experience through his accountOak|af$0iefore $|«took the role at ing background, but more importantThe Foundation. !v''>!' ; i ly, he provided professional demeanor i '-When-he began" his tenure here, and service. We will sorely miss him." JBernstein- explained that he wanted "The search for a replacement will jlTte Foundation to be one of;the more be difficult," Schrager continued, "but psucces,gfuji. Foundations in the coun- it will provide an opportunity. We look t r y . He v indicated that "The for a capable person with an accountflFounidStiori has set a'"pattern today ing, financial or legal background. Our .'•admired throughout the U.S." search will not be limited to Omaha, fij iA native Omahan, Bernstein however, it is our preference to find -served as president of the Nebraska someone from within the community." Society of CPAs, the Omaha Estate Resumes of those interested in the rPlanning Council, and the Beverly position of Endowment Director HillsEstate Planning Council. should be sent to Sheldon Bernstein's "Lorrie and I were elated to come attention at The Foundation, 333 So. back and have the opportunity to 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154.

BBYO advisors are "truly appreciated" by Lisa Shkolnick, BBYO Director

The B'nai B'rith Youth organization is the largest Jewish Youth organization in the world, with more than 25,000 members worldwide. Currently, Omaha has two male chapters—Motherj| Chapter AZA and Chaim Weizmann AZA #1510, and two female chapters—Ediar BBG #710 and MZ Yoshanah #2053.

was a member of AZA #100 and works at Dean's Camera. Both have been advisors for the past year. • Ediar BBG advisors Susan Stern and Leslie Golbitz celebrated their one year anniversary. Susan is employed by Metro Networks News. She can be ' heard on KKAR1290AM, KOIL1180AM

The success and F*on» left Chad, Susan, Dan, Deb, Alan, and KESY 97.7 popularity of Leslie to andScott; pictured: public Elite Sue. F M , she is BIBO relations/advertising BBYO can be attributed its struc-not studying ture and programming, as a youth- at UNO. Leslie is an alumnus of MZ led organization: Members elect their Yoshanah and is working on a degree own officers, run meetings, and plan in Elementary Education at UNO. MZ Yoshanah's advisors .are Deb and implement programming. All this, however, would not be pos- Marburg and Ellie Sue Shpayher. Deb sible without the devotion and guid- is employed as a Financial Trade ance of the BBYO advisors, the men Administrator at ConAgra, and has and women who help guide and been an advisor for six years. Ellie assist members in programming. Sue has been an advisor for one year and is studying Early Childhood Presently, there are eight advisors. Dan Marburg and Alan Kricsfeld Education at Wayne State College. Despite busy schedules, BBYO adviare advisors to Mother Chapter AZA #1. As.a second year advisor, Dan is sors make the extra effort to 'give also Regional Sales Manager for back' by volunteering time with our Whizard Protective-wear. Alan has future leaders, the teenagers, They been an advisor for four years and is enable the 113 members of BBYO to a third-year medical student at the have positive Jewish learning experiUniversity of Nebraska Medical ences and develop leadership skills. Center. Both are BBYO alumni, Alan BBYO has declared March as a former member of AZA #1, and Dan Advisor Appreciation Month with a a former member of AZA #100. dinner on March 3 at 6 p.m. at the Chad Polikoy and Scott Tatelman .JGC.'All BBYO'ers, parents, and are Chaim Weizmann advisors. Chad those wanting to show support are was a member of Weizmann and is invited to attend. To RSVP, call me at employed at Bozell Worldwide. Scott 334-6404 by March 2.

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i ENTREES: Filet of Salmon Ala Dill $13.95 • Orange Eoughy $13.95 • Cajun Catfish $11.25 . New York Strip $14.95 • Rocky Mountain Trout $12,95 • Duck Ala Pomegranate $16.95 'l Shrimp Scampi Ala American $13.95 »J.P. Steak $9.95 • Snapper Jerusalem $12.95 Scallop Stuffed Chicken $12.95 • Steak Diane $16.95 • Chicken Jerusalem $11.95 .'' PASTAS: R.B.'s Pasta $12.95 • Scallops Linguini $12.95 • Seafood Pomadora $13.95 * Pasta Primavera $10.95 • Pasta with chicken in pepper beer cheese sauce $11.95 *I Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta $11.95 • Ruby Beef $12.75 • Smoked Salmon $12.95 *, Blackened Chickea $11.^5 • Herbed Shrimp $12.95 • Angel Hair & Shrimp Tail $12.95ALSO AVAILABLE: Appetizers • Sandwiches • Salads

ftflort thru Sat 3

EXTENSIVE MENU: • Salads • Combos • Quiche • Stir-Frys • Specialties • Sandwiches DAILY SPECIALS FOR LUNCH & DINNER

JEWISH PRESS READERS Receive your VIP card on your next visit

5.•.:*.!'. ;r:

Discounted Drinks & Complementary Appetizers in the lounge

393-1421